[General] To the lowest denominator

[JacobNeverStops]

Hi,

I came across this sentence when I was reading, "Allowing Flash to be ported across platforms means things get dumbed down to the lowest common denominator.", I can make out the general idea, But I don't fully understand it.

What does "to the lowest common denominator" mean, and how do I use it?

Many thanks.

 

[Rover_KE]

The sentence you have quoted doesn't make sense. Please review it and use Edit Post to correct it – followed by Save.

 

[JacobNeverStops]

The sentence you have quoted doesn't make sense. Please review it and use Edit Post to correct it – followed by Save.

Sorry, I thought I've double checked this sentence, but still missed the "be".

 

[Rover_KE]

You also missed 'common', and I can't help feeling that 'Flash' should be in inverted commas.

What is 'Flash'?

EDIT: I've just learnt that the verb 'port' is a computing term meaning

to create a new version of (an application program) to run on a different hardware platform (sometimes fol. by over).

(Collins)

 

[JacobNeverStops]

You also missed 'common', and I can't help feeling that 'Flash' should be in inverted commas.

What is 'Flash'?

EDIT: I've just learnt that the verb 'port' is a computing term meaning

(Collins)

"Flash" here means the software Adobe FlashPlayer.
Actually it's "to the lowest common denominator", I missed too many words, Sorry for that.....

 

[SoothingDave]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lowest+common+denominator

A simple search pretty easily reveals the non-mathematical meaning.

 

[JacobNeverStops]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lowest+common+denominator

A simple search pretty easily reveals the non-mathematical meaning.

Actually I did before I posted this, but I just can't get it, will you please interpret it in a more plain and simple way?

And by the way, this website that you mentioned I've been using for a couple of months, it's really handy.

 

[SoothingDave]

In this context, the idea is that if you make a function like Flash available on all kinds of OS's and platforms, then you will not have all of the features that you would have if tailored to one platform. You only have the basic functionality that is common to all of the platforms.